UK vs United Kingdom — 1980 vs 1986
| Esprit Turbo HC | Esprit Turbo HC | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 215 hp | 215 hp |
| Torque | 220 lb-ft | 206 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,174 cc | 2,174 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.6 sec | 5.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 152 mph | 152 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.2 sec | 13.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,634 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,438 mm | 2,438 mm |
| Length | 4,369 mm | 4,191 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,400 | — |
| Original MSRP | $38,000 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $100,000 | — |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1980 Lotus Esprit Turbo HC brings stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1986 Lotus Esprit Turbo HC answers with quicker acceleration. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Lotus Esprit Turbo. The 1980 and 1986 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1980 Lotus Esprit Turbo HC producing 215 hp and the 1986 Lotus Esprit Turbo HC delivering 215 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lotus Esprit Turbo uses a Inline-4 DOHC Turbo displacing 2,174 cc, while the Lotus Esprit relies on a Inline-4 DOHC 16V Turbo with 2,174 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1986 Lotus Esprit Turbo HC edges ahead at 5.4 seconds versus 5.6 seconds. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1980 Lotus Esprit Turbo HC rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.